Mop And Wringer Patents (Class 15/119.1)
  • Patent number: 7891039
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus comprises a main rod, a wringing tube, a bearing, a lock, and a cleaning rag assembly. The wringing tube is coaxially put over the main rod and is glidingly movable along the main rod. The fastening device is mounted on the lower end of the main rod. The cleaning rag assembly surrounds a periphery of the main rod at a lower end thereof, having an upper end held by a connecting ring, which is mounted on the wringing tube, and a lower end mounted on the fastening device, allowing easily to replace the cleaning rag assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Lin
  • Publication number: 20100313368
    Abstract: A cleaning head with fixing device is used in conjunction with a cleaning apparatus and mounted at a lower side thereof, comprising a cleaning element and first and second adhesive plates, which are attached to a top side of the cleaning element and a lower side of the cleaning apparatus; The first and second adhesive plates have a plurality of hooks and a fiber surface, which engage with each other for mounting the cleaning element on the cleaning apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Lin
  • Publication number: 20100313367
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus comprises: a main rod, a fastening device, a cleaning head and a wringing device. Two holding plates are mounted on the fastening device via two movable connecting pieces. The cleaning head has two hold plates and a sweeping element, attached to lower sides of the held plates. The held plates carry L-shaped fastening devices which respectively engage with openings in the holding plates and point outward, thereby being stably held in place due to elasticity of the sweeping element. Mounting and removing of the cleaning head is performed in a single step by longitudinal compressing of the sweeping element and allowing the fastening elements to engage with and disengage from the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Lin
  • Publication number: 20100242992
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a floor uses a flat mop including a generally flat mop head having a handle and absorbent fabric material. The mop head is foldable to a folded condition, wherein a loop of the fabric material depends from the folded parts. The fabric material is inserted into cleaning liquid to wet the material. The mop head is introduced to a wringer to wring the material between the jaws and a wringing surface. The damp absorbent fabric material is used to mop the floor. The floor is dried using a separate drying tool that includes a head secured to a handle, and one or more attachment devices to attach a dry absorbent cloth to the head. The floor is dried by applying the cloth to the floor using the tool and moving a dry portion of the cloth over the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Ronald Alexander (Scot) Young
  • Patent number: 7785681
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing elongate wooden handles for floor mops and the like comprises (a) splitting a green bamboo cane lengthwise and then spreading it into the shape of a sheet, (b) planing both surfaces of the sheet to give it a substantially uniform thickness, (c) cutting the bamboo sheet into an elongate section of selected width, (d) drying that bamboo section, (e) providing an assembly comprising a pair of dowels, at least one elongate core member, said bamboo sections and an adhesive, with the bamboo section wrapped around the dowels and the core member and the adhesive disposed between the bamboo section and the dowels and core member, (f) heating that assembly under pressure so the adhesive will bond the dowels and core member to the surrounding bamboo section and thereby form an elongate pole, and (g) turning the elongate pole to a selected outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Dick Liao
  • Publication number: 20100170053
    Abstract: A foldable mop plate includes a first plate wing coupled to a second plate wing by an articulated coupling and at least one mopping cover. The at least one mopping cover is disposed on the first and second plate wings and configured to be squeezed out through a folding of the first and second plate wings toward one another. Further, a spacing between the first and second plate wings in a region of the articulated coupling is enlargeable upon a folding of the first and second plate wings toward one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: Leifheit AG
    Inventor: Klaus-Juergen Fischer
  • Publication number: 20100077558
    Abstract: A mop and wringer combination in one embodiment includes a mop comprising a pivotal handle and a mop swab adapted to rotate with respect to the handle; and a wringer comprising a ratchet type mechanism so that a user may press a spring-biased foot step to wring strands of a mop swab disposed in a mop receptacle in a pail via gear connection, release the foot step to return to its initial condition, and repeatedly perform the above two steps until the mop swab is dried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Hsiao-Hung Chiang
  • Publication number: 20100065082
    Abstract: A multi-purpose mop system includes a mop having a mop handle and a cleaning attachment removably mounted thereon, the mop handle further comprising a base and a grip installed thereon for manipulating the mop during use, and a bucket having a basin and a bucket handle removably and pivotally attached thereto, the basin being formed with at least one basin channel bounded by opposite, substantially upwardly-extending basin fingers, and the bucket handle being formed in a central portion inter-connecting opposite leg portions with at least one respective handle channel bounded by opposite handle fingers, whereby the basin channel and the handle channel cooperate in wringing the mop during wet use. The cleaning attachment may be a mop material cinched onto the base of the mop handle using a drawstring or may be a squeegee strapped thereto. A removable extension handle may be pivotally installed on the mop handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2007
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Minh T. Dinh
  • Patent number: 7640616
    Abstract: A mop head wringing mechanism comprises a first sleeve having a helical-shaped spline extending at least partially around an external face thereof and a second sleeve is slideably engaged over the first sleeve. The second sleeve has a spline engaging portion in constrained engagement with the helical-shaped spline of the first sleeve whereby translation of the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve causes rotation of the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve. A slip member is substantially constrained from lateral movement with respect to the second sleeve and is engaged with the second sleeve for enabling rotation of the second sleeve relative to the slip member. A control member is coupled to the slip member such that movement of the control member causes the second sleeve to translate from an at-rest position to a displaced position thereby rotating the second sleeve with respect to the first sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventor: Brian Wesley Peterson
  • Publication number: 20090307855
    Abstract: A wringable mop includes a transmission unit mounted with a driven cap at the bottom side of an actuating sleeve that is rotatable and axially movable relative to the handle unit, a cleaning body connected between the handle unit and the driven cap, and a positioning unit controlling rotation and axial movement of the actuating sleeve relative to the handle unit. When the positioning unit controls one-way rotation of the actuating sleeve relative to the handle unit, the handle unit and the actuating sleeve are rotated relative to each other to cause rotation of the driven cap relative to the handle unit, and therefore the cleaning body is twisted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Ta-Chun Kao
  • Publication number: 20090265871
    Abstract: A floor cleaning system including a mop with a mop head having a plurality of mopping strands with multiple wringing beads, an elongated adjustable handle with a hand grip and a mop stand assembly, and a bucket with a wringing cone, rollers and a heating element. Also included are bucket rollers, safety feet, heating element shield, drain plug, chemical solution dispenser, bucket hose connection and hose storage reel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: Alvin Wooten
  • Publication number: 20090165232
    Abstract: A mop with a handle includes a plurality of mop fibers coupled to the handle. The mop includes a grip mounted on the handle, and a collar that is slidably positioned on the handle. The collar can be secured to the grip when not in use. The collar may include one or more tabs with a ramp for engagement with a ridge located on the grip that, in operation, allows for detachably coupling of the collar to the grip. The ramp is configured so that it extends a sufficient distance from the tab so as to cause the tab to flex when the collar is attached to the grip. In operation, a user can uncouple the collar from the grip and slide the collar over the mop fibers and use the collar to wring the mop fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: THE LIBMAN COMPANY
    Inventor: Robert J. Libman
  • Publication number: 20090165231
    Abstract: A connection assembly configured to secure a mop head to an elongate member is provided. In one embodiment, a connector may include an insert having a plurality of tabs with an inner portion and an outward extending outer portion that extends radially outward from and traverse to an elongate member when the insert is properly mounted to the elongate member. The connector may include an inner member comprising a plurality of depressions configured to engage the inner portion of the plurality of tabs of the insert. A collar having an inner wall may also be utilized, wherein at least a portion of the inner wall is of a generally circular cross-section configured to engage the outward extending outer portion of the plurality of tabs. Connection assemblies may further comprise a wringer cup configured to be mounted on the elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: The Libman Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Libman, Enzo Berti, Marco Bizzotto, Roberto Pellacini
  • Publication number: 20090151099
    Abstract: A cloth floor washing implement wherein the cloth can be folded to enable squeeze-draining in the floor mop fashion namely with a strainer. The implement comprises a pair of arms (16a; 16b) pivotally connected to a slider (22). The arms are guided by respective slots (20c) and (20d). Driving the slider (22) along broom stick (12) will cause the spreading-apart or folding back of the arms. The washing cloth, preferably made of microfiber, is releasably attached to the distal ends of the arms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: David Bachar, Dror Bachar
  • Patent number: 7520018
    Abstract: A mop with an attached wringer cup has a set of perforations near the outwardly tapering lower end of the wringer cup. The wringer cup includes a rib. Along a side portion of the rib a plurality of perforations may be provided. In an embodiment the perforations may increase in size toward the end of the wringer cup. A connector may be provided to secure the mop head to the handle. In an embodiment the connector may accept a collar without requiring the collar to have a particular rotation orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: The Libman Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Libman, Enzo Berti, Marco Bizzotto, Roberto Pellacini
  • Publication number: 20090070950
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus comprises a main rod, a wringing tube, a bearing, a lock, and a cleaning rag assembly. The wringing tube is coaxially put over the main rod and is glidingly movable along the main rod. The fastening device is mounted on the lower end of the main rod. The cleaning rag assembly surrounds a periphery of the main rod at a lower end thereof, having an upper end held by a connecting ring, which is mounted on the wringing tube, and a lower end mounted on the fastening device, allowing easily to replace the cleaning rag assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Lin
  • Publication number: 20090044358
    Abstract: A mopping device includes a mop plate including a first mopping wing and a second mopping wing. The first and second mopping wings are configured to fold toward one another, and the first and second mopping wings each include a first material and each include at least one sliding element made of a second material. The mopping device further includes a first squeezing arm and a second squeezing arm disposed movably relative to the first and second mopping wings. The first and second squeezing arms are configured to respectively slide on the respective at least one sliding element and fold the first and second mopping wings toward one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Leifheit AG
    Inventor: Klaus-Juergen Fischer
  • Publication number: 20080098548
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mop (1) comprising a mop-head plate (2) for a mop cover (3). The mop-head plate (2) comprises a first connector (4), which can be connected to at least one second connector (5) of a wringer device (6) in order to wring out the mop cover (3). The invention also relates to a wringer device (6) for a mop (1) comprising a mop-head plate (2) for a mop cover (3), said plate having two folding mop-head plate parts (7, 8). Said wringer device (6) comprises a funnel-shaped wringer compartment (22). The mop cover (3) can be introduced into said compartment from above and compressed by actuating the wringer device, when the mop-head plate parts (7, 8) are in an essentially vertical position and said cover is partially detached and suspended from said parts. The opposing transversal surfaces (10, 11) of the mop-head plate parts (7, 8) form compression surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: CARL FREUDENBERG KG
    Inventors: Jens Deerberg, Andreas Eisenhut, Torsten Gratzki
  • Patent number: 7269875
    Abstract: Fluid is removed from the cleaning element of such as a sponge mop or string mop by inflating a bladder or like expansible member which is positioned in an enclosure adjacent the cleaning element, causing the expansible member to expand into contact with the cleaning element, thereby compressing the cleaning element for squeezing fluid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Inventor: David Brian Grimes
  • Patent number: 7225497
    Abstract: A mop device includes a handle member, a pulling grip, a connecting rod, a press assembly, a flat base and a guide arm. The handle member is fixedly attached to a joint head and the joint head has a fork free end with a traverse threaded hole. The pulling grip is pivotally joined to the handle member. The connecting rod is disposed in the handle member and able to move reciprocally while the pulling grip being pulled downward and upward. The press assembly includes two parallel semicircular press plates, two press posts for locating the press plates, and a stop block disposed between the press plates for locating the press plates and performing circular movement along the circular groove. The flat base is composed of two flat plates with each of the flat plates having a lateral side adjacent to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Inventor: Te-Chin Ho
  • Patent number: 7185387
    Abstract: A cleaning head for a sweeping and wringing apparatus, connected with a connecting part thereof, comprises a cleaning element, having a sweeping part and a held part, a base plate on an upper side of the cleaning part, on a top side carrying two fastening elements which each have a hole, and a fastening device for mounting the fastening elements on a lower end of a connecting part, with the fastening device further comprising two end pieces, each having a cross-shaped cross-section and an outer projection with a circular cross-section, leaning against one of the fixing elements, passing through the hole thereof, and an inner projection, and a spring, placed between the two end pieces and having ends that are put over the inner projections of the two end pieces, so that the cleaning head is easily installed and replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Ming-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 7086114
    Abstract: A wet floor wiping device includes a mop made of absorbent material and a mop frame exhibiting a center carrier piece (4) attached to a handle (3). Mounted pivotably at each hinge edge (5) at the center carrier piece (4) are two mop carrier wings (6), the inner surfaces of which, carrying the mop, can be pressed one against another by means of a squeeze feature. At least one of the two side edges (8, 9) extending from the hinge edge (5) is angled in relationship to the opposite side edge (9). Each mop carrier wing (6) forms a trapezoid including a right angle, the longer base line of which is the hinge edge (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Firma Carl Freudenberg
    Inventor: Gernot M. Hirse
  • Patent number: 7065823
    Abstract: The cylinder attachment to wring water out of mop is a frusto-conical shaped cylinder having a neck that is slidably attached to a mop handle. The neck has an adjustable knob that removably secures the cylinder in position at any point on the mop handle. The cylinder has an array of apertures in its lower wider portion for release of the mop water when the dirty water-laden mop head is compressed inside it. The cylinder has an O-ring about its bottom periphery to seal the cylinder and prevent the cylinder from scratching the floor. The cylinder has a wider portion above the O-ring to hold the mop strings in the cylinder when it is lifted from the pail. A specialized pail is provided for rinsing the mop by having a crescent-shaped tray with apertures on its bottom and a clamp on top to hold the mop inside the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Joselito L. Llanes
  • Patent number: 6920664
    Abstract: A mop with an attached wringer cup has a set of perforations near the outwardly tapering lower end of the wringer cup. The perforations have a width that is equal to about one-third the diameter of the handle, and less than the width of the flat mop strips that form the mop elements on the end of the handle. The upper end of the wringer cup fits within a lower part of a handgrip on the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: The Libman Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Libman, Enzo Berti
  • Patent number: 6785927
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning implement, preferably in the form of a roller mop, that includes a mop head, a shaft, and a wringer. The cleaning implement further includes a connecting link connected to the mop head and to the shaft or wringer. The mop head has a connecting side and a cleaning side thereby defining a mop axis, which axis is disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The connecting link is positioned with respect to the mop head to permit the mop head to travel along a path substantially coextensive with the mop axis over at least a portion of the range of travel of the mop head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Freudenberg Household Products
    Inventors: Paul M. Lesley, Paul B. Specht
  • Publication number: 20040158947
    Abstract: A cleaning device includes a rod having a frame connected to an end thereof and a connection member is connected to two assist plates which movably extend through the frame and pivotably connected to a pull handle on the rod. Two boards are pivotably connected to two sides of the connection member and each board has a positioning member to which a cleaning member is secured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Inventor: Jai Yi Sie
  • Patent number: 6732396
    Abstract: A self-wringing ratchet mop including an elongated handle, a mop head having mop strands supported on the handle, and a wringing mechanism for wringing the mop strands. The wringing mechanism includes a sleeve attached to the mop strands and supported for longitudinal and rotational movement relative to the handle. The handle includes a first ratchet portion formed by teeth and the sleeve includes a second ratchet portion formed by pawl members for engaging the first ratchet portion to permit the sleeve to rotate in a first direction and prevent rotation in a second, opposite direction. The pawl members are supported on a deformable resilient ring wherein deformation of the ring causes the pawl members to disengage from the first ratchet portion and permit rotation of the sleeve in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: O-Cedar Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Laux, David Hunt, Robert Roth
  • Publication number: 20030213079
    Abstract: A mop with an attached wringer cup has a set of perforations near the outwardly tapering lower end of the wringer cup. The perforations have a width that is equal to about one-third the diameter of the handle, and less than the width of the flat mop strips that form the mop elements on the end of the handle. The upper end of the wringer cup fits within a lower part of a handgrip on the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventors: Robert J. Libman, Enzo Berti
  • Patent number: 6640376
    Abstract: A hand held cleaning device that has a self wringing mechanism for extracting liquids from a flexible cleaning element. A wringer mechanism is mounted at the end of an elongated handle. A slidable mop head base is mounted on the bottom of the handle and slides along the elongated handle. When the mop head is moved from its first cleaning position, the flexible cleaning element is drawn through the wringing assembly to remove absorbed liquids from the cleaning element. A pivotal gate opens, allowing the mop head and cleaning element to pass back through the wringing mechanism to assume its original cleaning position. In an alternate embodiment the mop head is attached to the elongated handle and the wringer mechanism is mounted for slidable movement with respect to the elongated handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan Kaleta
  • Publication number: 20030079307
    Abstract: Absorbent mop strands of a mop are held captive by a pair of walls in a sleeve at the terminal ends thereof after the sleeve is slid over a mop head. The mop strands are wrung dry by rotating the sleeve with respect to the handle of the mop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventor: Kim Kwee Ng
  • Patent number: 6550094
    Abstract: A mop having a self-contained and electrically powered wringer. The mop consists of an elongated, hollow handle wherein is placed a power unit. Attached to the power unit is a rod connected to a mop head consisting of an assembly of a cleaning device holder and a cleaning device. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a housing for receiving the cleaning device holder. The housing in the preferred embodiment also includes movable rollers. The preferred embodiment is actuated by a switch causing electricity to flow to the power unit. The activated power unit causes a communicating spring acting against a spring stop to be fully retracted or projected. In the preferred embodiment, when the switch is released, the power unit causes the communicating spring to be fully projected. The process of retraction and projection of a cleaning device through the rollers results in the expulsion of water from the mop head. Also disclosed are alternative methods for the wringing mechanism of the mop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Arthur Hurtado
  • Publication number: 20030028986
    Abstract: A hand held cleaning device that has a self wringing mechanism for extracting liquids from a flexible cleaning element. A wringer mechanism is mounted at the end of an elongated handle. A slidable mop head base is mounted on the bottom of the handle and slides along the elongated handle. When the mop head is moved from its first cleaning position, the flexible cleaning element is drawn through the wringing assembly to remove absorbed liquids from the cleaning element. A pivotal gate opens, allowing the mop head and cleaning element to pass back through the wringing mechanism to assume its original cleaning position. In an alternate embodiment the mop head is attached to the elongated handle and the wringer mechanism is mounted for slidable movement with respect to the elongated handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Inventor: Bryan Kaleta
  • Publication number: 20030000036
    Abstract: A easy mop allows user to easily squeeze water out of it, meanwhile, saves user's power and keeps hands dry. The easy mop includes: a long handle with an extended arm of force either a bow portion or a handle, a mass of absorbent material, a sleeve with a twisting handle or a metal bar instead of the sleeve and twisting handle. While twisting the mop, one hand hole the twisting handle, another hand hold the bow or handle then turn around, the water being easily squeezed out of the mop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Jianhua Fan
  • Patent number: 6490749
    Abstract: An universal adapter for adapting a sponge mop head assembly to a wide variety of conventional mop handles and includes a hollow body which slidably receives the sponge mop head assembly. The adapter has four different attachment mechanisms located on top of the hollow body for removably attaching four different types of mop handles. The first attachment mechanism of the adapter has two opposing bendable walls, wherein each bendable wall has an aperture for securely receiving a tongue and groove type mechanism of one of the plurality of mop handles. The second attachment mechanism of the adapter further has a central hook catch section for securely receiving a hook type mechanism of one of the plurality of mop handles. The third attachment mechanism of the adapter has a plurality of opposing engagement means for slidably receiving a slidable type mechanism of one of the plurality of mop handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Worldwide Integrated Resources, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred I. Morad
  • Patent number: 6487745
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-wringing flat mop. The mop includes a shaft having an operator end and a cleaning end, a plate disposed at the cleaning end of the shaft and being pivotally connected thereto, and a wringing mechanism. A liquid absorbent member such as a cleaning cover is disposed on the plate. The wringing mechanism includes a wringing handle that is disposed on the shaft and that is axially moveable with respect thereto, and a wringer connected to the wringing handle. When wringing the mop, the wringer handle is moved relative to the axis of the shaft to thereby move the wringer into a position to cover the plate and liquid absorbent member. In this position, the wringer exerts a force on the plate sufficient to compress the liquid absorbent member between the plate and the wringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Freudenberg Household Products LP
    Inventor: Paul B. Specht
  • Publication number: 20020174501
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-wringing flat mop. The mop includes a shaft having an operator end and a cleaning end, a plate disposed at a cleaning end of the shaft and being pivotally connected thereto, and a wringing mechanism. A liquid absorbent member is disposed on the plate. The wringing mechanism includes a wringing handle that is disposed on a shaft and that is axially moveable with respect thereto, and a wringer connected to the wringing handle. When wringing the mop, the wringing handle is moved relative to the axis of the shaft to thereby move the wringer into a position wherein the wringer exerts a force on the plate compressing the liquid absorbent member between the plate and the wringer. The mop includes a retainer connected to the shaft for releasably retaining the plate in the wringing position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Freudenberg Household Products LP
    Inventors: Paul Specht, Michael Joss, Toriono Granger
  • Publication number: 20020133892
    Abstract: A mop having a self-contained wringer includes a handle, a sleeve frictionally movably disposed on the handle such that the sleeve is self supporting along a number of positions of the mop handle, a retainer member connected to an end of the handle and having a retaining surface, a mop head material having one end connected to the retaining surface of the retainer member, a twistable rubber-like generally fluted housing portion having a first end connected to the sleeve and a second end extending outwardly therefrom creating a mop head receiving surface area between a portion of the handle and an inner surface of the housing. The housing is movable along the handle by way of the sleeve in a manner to removably enclose the mop head material and enable squeezing of the mop head material by virtue of its rubber-like characteristic wherein it can twist over itself to selectively reduce the receiving surface area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Patrick H. Monahan
  • Patent number: 6427280
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning implement in the form of a sleeve-type self-wringing mop. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning implement includes a shaft, a mop of a liquid absorbent material disposed at one end, and a wringer. The wringer includes a wringing sleeve that comprises a handle that is rotatably relative to the sleeve over at least a portion of the axial range of travel of the sleeve, and at least one volute. The volute has a generally helicoid surface that cooperates with a drive that is fixed with respect to the shaft, the volute and drive cooperating in the manner of a cam and cam follower. A user may advance the wringer upon grasping the handle and axially translating the handle relative to the shaft. The camming interaction between the volute and drive causes rotation of the wringing sleeve relative to the shaft to cause liquid to be expelled from the mop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Freudenberg Household Products
    Inventor: Paul B. Specht
  • Publication number: 20020092105
    Abstract: A mop including a mop handle and a mop head located at one end of the handle and including a plurality of flexible strands defining a mop body. A sleeve is positioned on the mop handle and is supported for slidable movement in an axial direction parallel to the handle, and is further supported for rotatable movement relative to the handle. A lower end of the sleeve is provided with engagement portions defined by slots for engaging and gripping the strands of the mop body to facilitate twisting of the mop body by the sleeve. In addition, a ratchet and pawl mechanism is provided by cooperating portions of the mop body and sleeve to limit rotation of the sleeve to a single direction during a wringing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Christopher Laux, David Hunt, Robert Roth
  • Publication number: 20020073497
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-wringing flat mop. The mop includes a shaft having an operator end and a cleaning end, a plate disposed at the cleaning end of the shaft and being pivotally connected thereto, and a wringing mechanism. A liquid absorbent member such as a cleaning cover is disposed on the plate. The wringing mechanism includes a wringing handle that is disposed on the shaft and that is axially moveable with respect thereto, and a wringer connected to the wringing handle. When wringing the mop, the wringer handle is moved relative to the axis of the shaft to thereby move the wringer into a position to cover the plate and liquid absorbent member. In this position, the wringer exerts a force on the plate sufficient to compress the liquid absorbent member between the plate and the wringer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventor: Paul B. Specht
  • Patent number: 6260226
    Abstract: Disclosed is a self-wringing flat mop. The mop includes a shaft having an operator end and a cleaning end, a plate disposed at the cleaning end of the shaft and being pivotally connected thereto, and a wringing mechanism. A liquid absorbent member such as a cleaning cover is disposed on the plate. The wringing mechanism includes a wringing handle that is disposed on the shaft and that is axially moveable with respect thereto, and a wringer connected to the wringing handle. When wringing the mop, the wringer handle is moved relative to the axis of the shaft to thereby move the wringer into a position to cover the plate and liquid absorbent member. In this position, the wringer exerts a force on the plate sufficient to compress the liquid absorbent member between the plate and the wringer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Freudenberg Household Products LP
    Inventor: Paul B. Specht